Kohler Co. Encourages Consumers to Take Action, Save Water

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Kohler encourages consumers to take action within their homes and communities to find ways to actively save water. Whether a small thing like pledging to take action through Change the Course, or swapping out an old 3.5 gallon-per-flush toilet for a water-efficient model, the steps you take to reduce water use in your home can make a difference.

Change the Course campaign educates Americans about saving water while restoring Colorado River Basin

“The economic and environmental benefits of reducing water consumption are significant no matter where you live. If you haven’t taken action to reduce your family’s and home’s water usage, now is the time,” said Rob Zimmerman, Kohler Co. sustainability.

KOHLER, Wis. – April 2, 2015 – In light of the recent announcement of the mandatory 25 percent water reduction in California and ongoing national and global water shortages, Kohler encourages consumers to take action within their homes and communities to find ways to actively save water.

“The economic and environmental benefits of reducing water consumption are significant no matter where you live. If you haven’t taken action to reduce your family’s and home’s water usage, now is the time,” said Rob Zimmerman, Kohler Co. sustainability channel marketing manager. “Whether a small thing like pledging to take action through Change the Course, or swapping out your old 3.5 gallon-per-flush toilet for a water-efficient model, the steps you take to reduce water use in your home can make a difference.”

Kohler Co. has joined forces with Change the Course, a first of its kind water sustainability campaign to support water flow restoration projects in the Colorado River Basin. Kohler’s participation is yet another example of the company’s sustainability efforts which includes driving awareness of water-related issues and encouraging consumers to take action. Kohler’s effort, communicated through its Believing in Better platform, has been recognized many times over by the EPA WaterSense program, U.S. Green Building Council and other sustainability-focused organizations.

For each consumer who makes a pledge to reduce their water consumption by texting “KOHLER” to 771-77, or online at http://changethecourse.us, Change the Course will restore 1,000 gallons of water back into the Colorado River Basin, for example by helping local farmers irrigate more efficiently.

“One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce indoor water consumption is by updating plumbing fixtures and faucets to new models that carry EPA’s WaterSense label,” says Zimmerman. “These products are independently certified to not only reduce water use by at least 20%, but also pass strict performance criteria. We encourage all California citizens to do their part to reduce their water use during the crisis. If your plumbing fixtures are more than eight years old, consider taking advantage of local rebate programs and replace them with WaterSense products.”

Top 3 ways to save water in the home

1- Install a high-efficiency toilet that flushes with 1.28 gallons or less
Unfortunately, many homes still use toilets that consume 3.5 gpf. In the U.S., for example, at least 50% of existing toilets still flush with 3.5 gallons. If an average family of four swaps out a 3.5 gpf toilet for a high efficiency, 1.28 gpf toilet, they can save 16,500 gallons per year. And that adds up to a lot of money saved.

2- Replace an old showerhead with a low-flow showerheadThe number two priority is in the shower, where the standard flow rate is 2.5 gallons per minute. Installing WaterSense-labeled showerheads or handshowers cuts the flow rate to 2.0 gpm. Advanced water engineering in new high-efficiency KOHLER showerheads provides the same coverage as a standard flow showerhead, plus multi-function performance that still lets you dial down to get a power massage shower.

3- Change bathroom sink faucet or aerator for a more efficient faucetThe number three water-saving priority can complete the water-saving bathroom. Bathroom sink faucets that are WaterSense-certified or adding more efficient 1.5 gpm aerators to 2.2 gpm faucets can save water in small but impactful ways.

Aerators are small collar-like applications attached to a faucet, containing a fine mesh grid that allows air to be mixed with the solid stream of water. The water pressure remains the same, but the actual volume of water is reduced – the more air introduced into the water stream, the more water saved.

About Kohler Co.

Kohler Co. has a long history of supporting water efficiency and sustainability in products as well as processes. Aligning with organizations and programs like EPA WaterSense, Alliance for Water Efficiency, and U.S. Green Building Council, Kohler has positioned itself as a sustainability leader in the plumbing industry with educational programs, awareness campaigns, and water-saving products. In recognition of these efforts, Kohler has been awarded seven consecutive awards from the EPA WaterSense program.

Kohler Co. offers products that are designed to conserve natural resources while remaining true to a singular quality level of performance and design. Whether specifying plumbing products that help buildings earn LEED® water-efficiency points, reducing facility operating costs or accommodating the preferences of homeowners, the water-saving KOHLER fixtures and faucets address the challenging demands of customers and preserve one of our most precious natural resources. Visit Kohler’s Believing in Better blog for more stories on the company’s sustainability mission.